Try these 10 games on your new smartphone

Were you lucky enough to get a new iPhone for the holidays? Well, here are some things you should know about your new Apple phone.Marc Saltzman, USA TODAY

A scene from ‘Arkanoid vs. Space Invaders.’(Photo: Square Enix)

Get a new smartphone this holiday? Once you’ve set it up and downloaded some apps, it’s time for the fun stuff.

Getting things done with your smartphone is great, but playing games on it is even better. The Games category is far and way the most popular in smartphone marketplaces (Apple dedicated a section solely to Games on its redesigned App Store).

Of course, there are staples like Candy Crush Saga or Angry Birds. But if you are looking to mix up your gaming library, here are 10 great choices. All these games are for iOS or Android and are free to play unless otherwise noted, but might feature in-game purchases:

Arkanoid vs. Space Invaders ($1.99)

On their own, both these games are absolute classics. Together, they form a really cool hybrid game where players command an Arkanoid ship deflecting enemy fire from alien invaders. It takes the best of both arcade games and mashes them into a fun experience.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp

A scene from ‘Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp.’(Photo: Nintendo)

This charming simulation from Nintendo tasks players with managing their own campsite filled with cute animals. As you explore, you help the animals, who give you items to help craft furniture and other amenities to spruce up your campsite. Eventually, you’ll host parties at your outdoor home.

Bit City

A screenshot from ‘Bit City.’(Photo: Nimblebit)

The creators of Pocket Planes and Tiny Tower do it again with their addictive city-building simulation. Players start with a small metropolis, slowly building businesses, services, and residential properties and watch it grow into a sprawling city. It’s free to play, but players can purchase “Bux” to build faster.